Paths to Cleburne
Cleburne County is rich with natural beauty, opportunities for outdoor recreation, friendly folks, and great places to eat and stay for a while.
The county is home to Alabama’s highest point, Mt. Cheaha which is a foothill of the Appalachian Mountains. Other outdoor gems include the Talladega National Forest, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, Tallapoosa River, Pinhoti Trail, Chief Ladiga Trail and Terrapin Creek.
We invite you to visit soon and experience all that Cleburne County offers along the Paths to Cleburne.
Hiking
Cheaha State Park | Cheaha State Park offers a variety of scenic hiking trails for guests to explore within the park and surrounding areas.
Pinhoti Trail | The Pinhoti Trail spans over 100 miles, stretching from Weogufka, Alabama to Blue Ridge, Georgia. This extensive trail includes both road and wooded sections, providing a diverse hiking experience. Visit the official website for complete trail details.
Heflin Spur | Branching off from the 350-mile Pinhoti National Recreation Trail, the Heflin Spur is a 3.5-mile extension that showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachians, Cleburne County, and the City of Heflin. Designated in 2018 by the U.S. Forest Service, the spur begins at Heflin City Hall, where visitors can also learn about the city and its offerings. Nearby shops and local businesses provide additional opportunities to enjoy the community before or after your hike.
Pinhoti Outfitters | Pinhoti Outfitters serves as a premier guide to the Talladega National Forest, located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Alabama. They offer a wide range of outdoor experiences, including fly fishing tours, guided hikes, kayaking, CCC heritage tours, botanical tours, camping, waterfall tours, Jeep excursions, and wilderness adventures. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an active outdoor challenge, Pinhoti Outfitters provides memorable opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Biking
Cheaha State Park | Cheaha State Park features a 10+ mile mountain biking trail along with several miles of scenic hiking trails winding throughout the park. These trails provide opportunities for both adventure seekers and casual explorers to experience the natural beauty of Alabama’s highest point.
Chief Ladiga Trail | The Chief Ladiga Trail, Alabama’s first rails-to-trails project, extends 33 miles from the Alabama–Georgia state line to Anniston. Sharing the same rail corridor as Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail, it forms a continuous 90-mile pathway for non-motorized travel stretching from just west of Atlanta, Georgia to Anniston, Alabama. This unique trail connection offers cyclists, runners, and walkers a safe and scenic route through the Appalachian foothills.
Walking
Ranburne Recreational Trail | Located at Ranburne High School, this ½-mile asphalt trail accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists, providing a safe and accessible space for outdoor activity.
Pleasant Grove Community Walking Trail | Adjacent to Pleasant Grove Elementary School, this ¼-mile walking trail offers a convenient place for exercise and leisure. It is located on AL Highway 9, just north of the junction with U.S. Highway 431.
Chief Ladiga Trail | The Chief Ladiga Trail is a 33-mile rails-to-trails project that runs from Anniston, Alabama to the Georgia state line, where it connects seamlessly with the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia. Together, the two trails create a continuous 90+ mile corridor for non-motorized travel through scenic landscapes.
Heflin Recreation Center | The Heflin Recreation Center offers an indoor walking facility for year-round fitness. Located at 1228 Coleman Street in Heflin, the center is open on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, call (256) 463-5434.
Fishing
Fishing the Upper Tallapoosa River | The Upper Tallapoosa River in Alabama offers an excellent experience for canoeists and kayakers seeking both outdoor recreation and fishing opportunities. The scenic waterway flows through a tranquil rural setting, making it ideal for paddling while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Anglers can expect to find redeye bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, and catfish, including both channel and flathead species.
Terrapin Creek | Originating in the Talladega National Forest in Cleburne County, Terrapin Creek flows through Calhoun and into Cherokee County. It is especially popular as a float-fishing stream in its lower reaches, stretching from the County Road 8 bridge (¾ mile west of Highway 9, north of Piedmont, AL) to the County Road 71 bridge before the creek joins the old Coosa River channel. This section provides an enjoyable and productive fishing experience for anglers of all levels.
Coleman Lake Recreation Area | Nestled in the Talladega Mountains, the newly renovated Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a balance of seclusion and comfort. With modern amenities set against a serene backdrop, it is an ideal destination for fishing, picnicking, and relaxation away from the crowds.
Cheaha State Park | Located at the highest point in Alabama, Cheaha State Park in Cleburne County provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape along with diverse recreational opportunities. The park features modern lodging, cabins, chalets, campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, and swimming, making it a perfect destination for both outdoor adventure and relaxation.
Canoe / Kayak
Loyd Owen’s Canoe Trail | The Loyd Owen Canoe Trail follows the Upper Tallapoosa River from its headwaters to the backwaters of Lake Harris, offering paddlers a scenic and relaxing journey through Alabama’s natural landscapes.
Terrapin Creek | Terrapin Creek provides a gently flowing water float through pastureland in eastern Alabama. At a flow of 650 cubic feet per second (cfs), the creek offers smooth-moving water for much of the run, with a few riffles and one Class I/II rapid toward the end. This trail is ideal for families, beginners, or anyone seeking to practice moving-water techniques. Thanks to watershed lakes in its headwaters, Terrapin Creek maintains water levels longer than many other local runs. Terrapin Outdoor Center offers a full selection of canoes, kayaks, and gear, and can also provide shuttle services for a fee.
Tallapoosa River RV & Outdoor Center | For a scenic paddle adventure on the Loyd Owen Canoe Trail, Tallapoosa River RV & Outdoor Center provides a 7-mile journey along the Upper Tallapoosa River, ending conveniently at their outfitter shop. The trip can be completed in approximately half a day, making it perfect for both casual paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hunting
Wildlife Management Areas – Maps and Hunting Permits | Detailed maps and information for individual Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are available for download and printing from the official website. Please note that permits for most gun deer hunts will continue to be issued at check stations on the days of the hunts and are not available electronically.
Archery
Heflin Community Archery Park | The Heflin Community Archery Park was established through a collaborative partnership between the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Archery Trade Association, and the City of Heflin. The park provides a dedicated space for archery enthusiasts of all skill levels to practice and enjoy the sport.
Camping
Tallapoosa River RV & Outdoor Center | Family-owned and operated, Tallapoosa River RV & Outdoor Center offers a full range of outdoor adventures, including camping, kayak excursions, and accommodations at River Bend Lodge. The team takes pride in sharing the beauty of their grounds with every visitor. Guests can enjoy camping under the stars, paddling along the serene Tallapoosa River, or relaxing in the comfort of River Bend Lodge. From thrilling kayak journeys to peaceful campsites, each experience is designed to connect visitors with nature while providing a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.
Talladega National Forest | Situated in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians, Talladega National Forest offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The area features three campgrounds, multiple mountain lakes, a game management area, the scenic Talladega Byway, and access to the Pinhoti Trail system, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring Alabama’s natural landscapes.
Cheaha State Park | Located at Alabama’s highest point in Cleburne County, Cheaha State Park provides breathtaking views and a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can choose from modern lodging, cabins, chalets, and camping accommodations, as well as enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming in a picturesque setting.
Timberline Cheaha | Timberline Cheaha offers a unique glamping experience within Cheaha State Park. Guests can stay in fully furnished, extra-spacious Safari Tents, ideal for families or groups seeking a comfortable and immersive outdoor experience.
Disc Golf
Lake Point Disc Golf | Lake Point Disc Golf offers an 18-hole permanent course set amidst scenic woodlands with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. The course spans 4,955 to 5,955 feet and features a mix of moderately hilly terrain and wooded areas, providing an enjoyable challenge for players of all skill levels.
Geocaching
Cheaha State Park | Located at Alabama’s highest point in Cleburne County, Cheaha State Park provides breathtaking views and a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can choose from modern lodging, cabins, chalets, and camping accommodations, as well as enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming in a picturesque setting.
Wine Trail
High Country Cellars | High Country Cellars offers a diverse selection of wines for connoisseurs, casual wine enthusiasts, and travelers alike. Recognized as #2 among Alabama’s top 10 wineries, it provides a premier tasting experience in a welcoming environment.
The Fruithurst Winery Co. | Located just north of Fruithurst, Alabama, The Fruithurst Winery draws inspiration from one of the state’s original wineries. Set among fifteen acres of muscadine vineyards and owned by two cousins, the winery embodies the elegance and heritage of Alabama’s historic vineyard culture, offering visitors a refined and memorable wine experience.
Agritourism
Bennett Farms | Bennett Farms is a fourth-generation family farm offering a variety of seasonal activities and events for visitors of all ages. In October, guests can explore the picturesque pumpkin patch, pick wildflowers, enjoy farm activities, and savor delicious seasonal treats. In November, the Creekside Market showcases American-made, one-of-a-kind treasures. Visitors can browse the creations of local artisans, fresh produce from regional farmers, antique collections, vintage goods, and abundant wildflowers—all set against the farm’s scenic landscape. Bennett Farms invites families to experience the beauty and traditions of this historic farm while enjoying fun, hands-on activities throughout the year.